Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the United States. It can be detected early with a lung cancer screening. Until the cancer has spread to other organs, there are no symptoms. However, as the cancer spreads, it can lead to pain and discomfort. Here are some symptoms you may notice. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, consult your doctor as soon as possible. The following are some of the most common signs of lung cancer.
When lung cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause a variety of different symptoms. Fluid in the chest or back is one of these symptoms. The fluid can lead to shortness of breath. Treatments may be necessary to drain the fluid, which can reduce the risk of pleural effusion. In addition to lung cancer, some people may also experience headaches and voice changes. While hoarseness is often a symptom of a simple cold, persistent hoarseness could indicate more serious cancer.
The most common sign of lung cancer is a persistent cough. Approximately 50% of people with lung cancer experience a persistent cough. Coughing may be dry or wet, frequent or infrequent, and may occur at any time of the day. People often dismiss a persistent cough as a symptom of allergies or smoker’s cough. However, this is not a normal cough, and should be checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
One of the most common early symptoms of lung cancer is coughing up blood. This is the most obvious sign, but other symptoms can be confused with other conditions. Chronic cough can be the first sign of lung cancer, but it can also be a symptom of advanced stages. In the early stages of the disease, there may not be any noticeable symptoms. If you are a smoker, a chronic cough may be an indicator that you are at risk.
The pain in your shoulder is another symptom of lung cancer. This pain can be hard to distinguish from muscle pain, and it can also be worse at night or during sleep. In addition to shoulder and arm pain, patients may experience back pain. Back pain is a symptom of lung cancer that occurs when metastasis has spread to the bones of the pelvis or the upper bones of the arms and legs. If you are suffering from back pain, your doctor may recommend that you seek medical treatment immediately.
Another symptom of lung cancer is the syndrome of inappropriate ADH, in which the tumor secretes a substance that lowers the blood’s sodium level. People with this syndrome may experience muscle weakness, headaches, and memory loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor. A medical examination is the only way to be sure. You may also be suffering from a paraneoplastic syndrome, which is a form of lung cancer and may not even be a sign of cancer.
